Getting offensive: The Huskies' starting quarterback will be a game-time decision, according to coach Jerry Kill. Juniors Chandler Harnish and DeMarcus Grady or redshirt freshman Jordan Lynch are the choices. Harnish has played in 20 games over the last two seasons and started 18, including nine a year ago. Grady has appeared in 15 games and started five. Senior tailback Chad Spann is a preseason All-Mid-American Conference pick after gaining over 1,000 yards last year. Spann scored 19 rushing touchdowns to lead the MAC and tie the NIU single-season record.

On the defensive: Defensive end Jake Coffman, a 26-year-old Marine Corps veteran, returns for his last year of eligibility after leading the team with 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and five pass breakups to earn all-MAC honors last season. Senior safety Mike Sobol returns to the field just four months after surgery to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.

The number: 4 … NIU is 4-9 all time against the teams that currently make up the Big 12 conference.

The talk: The Huskies play four of their first five games on the road. Northern Illinois is 4-8 in road games the last two seasons, with six of the losses by eight points or fewer, including games at Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Looking ahead: NIU has played well against BCS opponents in recent years. The Huskies will play their lone home game this month on Sept. 11 vs. North Dakota.